Drop zone: Western Stima relegated from KPL, Thika’s fate hanging

GOR MAHIA FC VS WESTERN STIMA Western Stima's Goalkeeper Stephen Otieno during KPL match against Gor Mahia FC at Kasarani stadium on Oct 1, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Stima out as relegation uncertainty delays Thika United’s celebration  

Western Stima have been relegated from the Kenyan Premier League.

The Powemen’s nine-year stay in top flight football came to an abrupt end yesterday despite their 1-0 away win against Chemelil Sugar in the season-ender fixture.

Wesley Kemboi’s goal couldn’t stop Stima from joining Muhoroni Youth whose relegation fate was sealed way before the final matches of the campaign.

The former Top 8 champions went into the final round of the season tied on points (35) with 16th placed Thika United, but the latter secured a play-off spot courtesy of a superior goal difference after Shami Kibwana’s second half strike sunk visiting Bandari (1-0).

However, it is not yet celebration time for the milkmen as there is still uncertainty surrounding both promotion and relegation criteria.

Thika’s fate is expected to be known this week during a Joint Executive Committee (JEC) meeting between the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

KPL are adamant on going back to a 16-team league format, but the federation have stood their ground on retaining the current 18-team league that came into force  following a directive by the Sports Dispute Tribunal early in the year.

Going by FKF President Nick Mwendwa’s recent statement, Stima and Muhoroni will be joining the National Super League next season as Thika battles it out in the play-off with the a team that finishes third in the NSL league that comes to an end next weekend.

Mathare United escaped the drop by a whisker after they were held to a 2-2 draw by ten-men Posta Rangers at Camp Toyoyo as both Chemelil and Nakumatt faltered. Nakumatt lost 2-1 to Kariobangi Sharks for the three teams to end the season tied on 39 points, a point above the red zone.